Oldhamer Vicky vows to take on Manchester Memory Walk after her beloved brother Alan is diagnosed with dementia

New data from Alzheimer’s Society, released ahead of its flagship Memory Walk events this Autumn, reveals that 47% of Manchester’s pet owners would prefer to take a walk with their four-legged friends over their partner.

Of this figure, 18% did not have a walkable pet and said they would still rather choose to walk with their pet over their partner.

The charity’s survey, funded by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, also uncovered around 60% respondents said that their daily walk during Covid lockdowns helped to improve their mental health.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on everyone to don their walking gear and take part in the Manchester Memory Walk at Heaton Park on Saturday, October 2, to unite against dementia. 

People can also organise their own Memory Walk at a time and location of their choosing with or without their beloved pets and partners throughout September.

Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and actor, Vicky McClure, said: “After so long being cooped up in lockdown, it’s going to be really emotional to see lots of people taking part in Memory Walks.

"I absolutely love supporting Memory Walks – it’s an incredible feeling coming together to walk with lots of other people who are also remembering loved ones with dementia, and it’s also great to be able to get out walking together.

"People with dementia were so cruelly affected by the pandemic – they need our support more than ever – so please join me in signing up to take part in Memory Walk, whether on your own or at an event and help us unite against dementia.”

Covid has hit the 30,000 people living with dementia in Greater Manchester particularly hard.

Prolonged isolation, social care service reductions and a loss of routine and social interaction have led to shocking levels of decline in thousands of people with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society’s support services, like its Dementia Connect support line, have been used over five-and-a-half million times nationally since lockdown began in March 2020.

Vicky Shaw, who lives in Oldham and runs sheltered accommodation at Housing 21, is doing the Manchester Memory Walk with her ten-year-old granddaughter Millie Moran.

Vicky’s brother Alan was diagnosed aged 74 with dementia last year in lockdown and she wants to raise awareness of the condition.

She said: “I will be walking the Manchester Memory Walk with my dog Levi while pushing my granddaughter Millie who is paralysed and living with a rare form of Spina bifida.

“I am doing the Manchester Memory Walk to help raise awareness but also in memory of my dear friend Dorothy Muller who died with dementia.

"I have previously done the memory walk and enjoyed the day thoroughly.

"I encourage others to sign up to the walk and help raise money towards further research into the condition.”

Vicky also helps run a memory café in Oldham for people with dementia.

Sue Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager in Greater Manchester, said: “We love to see our fundraisers team up with their four-legged friends at our Memory Walk events, so we are amused, but not surprised, by the survey results.

"Whether walkers choose to walk with their dog or their family and friends this Autumn, they will be making a huge difference to the lives of people with dementia in the aftermath of Covid and beyond.

“This last year has been devastating for people living in Manchester with dementia, their carers and their families.

"Many sadly passed away, and many more have got so much worse, while isolated from those they love and unable to continue their usual daily activities and routines.

"As a result, our services have never been needed more.

“We are looking forward to see our walkers join forces with their pooches, and loved ones, at at Heaton Park on October 2 or on the paths and pavements of their choosing throughout September and are thankful for everyone lacing up their boots this Autumn to support this vital cause.”

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